Chapter Twenty-Nine

Christian woke to pressure on his arm. It took a minute to realize it was a cuff automatically inflating to record his blood pressure. Then he remembered he was in the hospital because Heathcliff Sinclair's wife tried had to brain him with a statue.

He'd wanted to refuse the medication, but he was glad now that the doctors had given it to him. His head would've been pounding, and sleep would've been next to impossible.

Christian would take the hit a hundred times over if it meant Aja Blue was safe. Thinking of the love of his life, he turned his head to see her, knowing his smile bordered on dopey. It quickly died when she wasn't in the chair she'd been sitting in when he fell asleep. Had she gone back to the house? He remembered telling Presley, Kayne, and Nicole to get some shut eye. He'd wanted her to go with them, but she'd refused. Hadn't she? Maybe she couldn't rest comfortably in the hospital.

A flare of panic had the machine next to his bed beeping faster. What if she'd decided now that the case was over, so was their relationship? They hadn't talked about a future, but he definitely wanted one with her, however it looked.

"Ah, you're awake." A nurse came in and scribbled on his chart before dropping it in a slot at the end of the bed. "I have a message for you. You're supposed to call Tyler as soon as possible."

If Tyler was calling, something must have happened. He reached for his phone before realizing it wasn't there. Did Aja Blue take it with her?

"I don't have a phone. Can I borrow yours?"

"Sure."

She took it from her pocket, unlocked the screen, and handed it to him.

Without his contact list, he didn't have Tyler's number, but every agent memorized one that rang to a menu where you could access anyone in the company. When it picked up, he said Tyler's name into the system and listened as it rang him.

"Redmond."

"It's Christian."

"Hey, Z, where are you?"

"In the hospital. Why?"

"I was checking someone else's GPS and noticed your phone was on the move, but I know you're currently incapacitated. I should've realized Aja Blue could've taken it."

He fought down the urge to worry about her. Sinclair was dead. No one was after her now.

"Thanks for checking."

"No problem. Let me know if you need anything, and I hope you feel better. See you soon."

Christian disconnected. "One more call," he told the nurse as he went through the CObrA Securities menu again and rang Kayne's cell.

"Serruto."

"It's Christian. Is Aja Blue with you?"

"No, she wanted to stay by your side."

He knew for sure she wouldn't leave without at least a goodbye. "I need you to get here as soon as possible."

"We were already headed that way, so we're almost there."

Thank God. He handed the phone back to the nurse. "Thanks."

"No problem. I'll be back to check on you soon."

"Okay." But I won't be here.

He waited for her to leave, but she puttered around the room. His leg bobbed from wanting to get up. Finally, she wandered out the door.

He started to get out of bed but a piece of paper caught his attention. He used the arm not wired to machines to pick it up. Oh, God, it was a Dear Christian letter . . . no, wait, that's just how she'd started it.

Dear Christian,

I should be back before you read this, but if not, I hope you are well-rested and your head feels better. I hated to leave you, but Christian, Polly called! She's here in Virginia. She said she left Dirk, so I went to see her. I'll bring her back so you can meet her.

See you soon, my love.

Aja Blue

PS: I borrowed your phone, so I'll call your room if I'm running late.'

He had no idea what time she left or how soon Tyler noticed the phone on the move. She might be on her way back now, but he wasn't taking chances. He didn't trust Dirk Haines, and if Polly was around, Christian figured Dirk wouldn't be far behind. He didn't want Aja Blue anywhere near the man.

Christian ripped the needles from his arm. The bandage around his head was next. His vision blurred, and he swayed when he swung out of bed.

His door burst open. "Mr. Zamora, what do you think you're doing?"

"I'm checking myself out."

"You can't do that," the nurse fretted. "I'll call security."

"They'll have to shoot me to stop me."

He was hampered by not having his clothes or weapon, but he had his shoes. He tied the gown tighter and ignored the double vision that made walking a challenge.

"How do I get to the lobby?"

"Mr. Zamora, I am advising against you leaving."

He spun around and almost threw up as his head swam. "Noted. I appreciate your attempts to stop me, but I am going."

The nurse clenched her jaw and then nodded. "Follow me."

She led him to the lobby and ignored his thanks. As soon as he stepped outside, an SUV swung to a screeching stop. Kayne had almost taken out a garbage can. Christian opened the door and climbed in. His stomach was revolting; his head was pounding as the drugs wore off, but he didn't care about anything except getting to Aja Blue as quickly as possible.

"What's happening?" Presley asked.

He gave them a recap of Aja Blue's note and his worry about Polly's boyfriend.

"You think she's in trouble?"

"I have no reason to believe she is, but I don't trust Dirk Haines."

Presley accessed an app on her phone to track Christian's phone and gave Kayne directions. He squealed out of the lot practically on two wheels. Christian was thankful Kayne was the one driving. He tended to ignore common laws like red lights and speed limits.

"Here." Nicole handed him a T-shirt and a pair of pants.

"Thanks." He dressed and inserted the comm device Presley handed him.

"Weapon?"

Presley gave him his gun. "Are you sure you're okay using it?"

He gave her a stern look.

She tossed up her hands. "Fine."

Kayne glanced at him from the rear-view mirror. "How did Aja Blue leave the hospital?"

"I don't know. I was asleep, and she didn't say anything in the note."

"Probably a ride-share," Nicole guessed.

"The bosses are in town," Presley said. "They want us to keep them posted."

"We've almost caught up with her," Presley announced. She enlarged the screen. "It's a motel."

"We're here," Kayne announced.

Peeling paint, dangling shutters, and a sign with more burned-out lights than shining ones announced a motel that looked as if it rented rooms by the hour. Potholes and refuse marred the parking lot, and the vehicles were rusty and dented.

"Do we have a room number?" Kayne asked.

"No. It couldn't be pinpointed."

"We'll fan out," Presley said. "Mic check." They all responded.

"Nicole, you stay here." She was an asset, but Christian didn't need his attention diverted by watching out for her well-being.

She gritted her teeth but nodded.

The sounds of rough sex greeted Christian as he neared a room. A headboard banged against a wall, and the woman's screams had to be ear-piercing to her partner.

He was about to move along when two gunshots rang out.

"Aja Blue," Christian whispered as he raced for the door where the sound had originated.

"Wait." Kayne grabbed his arm, jerking him to a stop. "We don't go rushing in. That might get her killed."

"She could be—" He couldn't say shot. "Hurt."

"She's okay," Presley said through the comms. She was peeking through a crack in the curtains. "Another woman is down. A man is holding Aja Blue at gunpoint. Get ready. They're headed to the door."

Christian took up one side and Kayne the other.

"I've got the man with the gun," Kayne said. "You get her out of the way."

The door swung open.

"Get moving."

Christian waited until Aja Blue was through before grabbing her and pulling her aside. He covered her with his body as a gunshot sounded. Kayne wrestled the weapon away from Dirk, breaking his wrist in the process. The man had no chance against a former Navy SEAL. Presley pounced, trapping Dirk's legs and zip-tying them together, while Nicole—who obviously hadn't stayed in the SUV as instructed—hobbled into the room, presumably to check on the downed woman.

"Christian?"

"Yeah, baby. I've got you. You're safe now." She was shaking almost violently, and the blue scrubs she wore were covered in blood.

"W-what are you d-doing out of the hospital?"

"Coming to get you. You scared the life out of me . . . Aja Blue?"

Her body went slack, and she would've slid to the ground if he hadn't been holding her up. He lifted her into his arms. "Aja Blue, honey, can you hear me?"

Kayne jumped up and ran over to where Christian was carefully placing her on the ground.

"Damn it, she's been shot," Kayne said.

Panic unlike anything he'd ever known immobilized Christian when he saw the hole in her side. He forgot every bit of his training. It flew out of his head.

"No, no, no," he chanted.

Someone was banging against his shoulder, but he ignored it.

"Damn it, Christian, move," Presley ordered. "Let me help her."

He knew Presley had paramedic training, yet he was reluctant to let go of Aja Blue's hand. He was afraid if he did, she would leave him. With another forceful shove, Presley took over, helping Kayne stabilize her while Nicole spoke into her phone.

Someone's whimpering caught his attention, and his head snapped to Dirk lying on the ground. Without conscious thought, Christian roared to his feet and pounced on him, wrapping his hands around the man's scrawny neck.

"Christian, man, he's not worth it. Let the system take care of him." Kayne gripped his shoulders.

"If anything happens to her, I will kill you," he promised Dirk.

"You can't threaten me! He just threatened me. You heard him. I'll sue you."

Kayne pulled Christian off. "I heard nothing, scumbag. But if something happens to her, I'll help him end your miserable life."

The wail of sirens grew closer. Christian was barely aware of patrons in various stages of undress pouring out of their rooms to check out the excitement. An ambulance arrived, and when the crew headed toward Dirk, who was screaming for their help, Kayne diverted them to Aja Blue instead.

Christian's heart raced as he watched them work on her and then lift her onto the gurney. He jogged after them, climbing inside the ambulance behind one of the paramedics.

"We'll meet you there," Kayne said as the doors closed.

Aja Blue looked so pale as he stroked the hair from her face. There was so much he wanted to say to her, things to discuss, their future being at the top of the list. She had to be okay because he couldn't live without her. His life was wherever she was. If she wanted to stay in Norfolk, he'd quit his job even though he loved it. Christian had found a second family when he signed on with CObrA Securities. It was his dream position, and he couldn't imagine doing anything else. But Aja Blue was his priority now. She was his future. He'd give up everything for her, including his life, if it meant she didn't have to suffer.

His brows dipped, and he noticed the bruise forming on her cheek.

"Christian?"

His eyes snapped to hers, and he leaned forward to stroke her hair. "Hey, babe. You're back with me."

"I'm not dying, am I?"

"God, no!"

"Then why are you scowling? It's kinda scary."

He hadn't even realized he was. "I'm worried about you."

"I've been better," she admitted. "What happened?"

"Dirk shot you."

"I felt a burn in my side, but all my thoughts were on Polly." Now, the tears were in her eyes. "He killed her, didn't he?"

Christian squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry, honey."

Her eyes closed, and he was afraid she'd lapsed back into unconsciousness. His breath shuttered out when they fluttered open again.

"What happened to your cheek?"

"Dirk slugged me."

Christian gritted his jaw. He was going to pay the man a visit in jail and teach him a lesson about hitting his woman. Dirk would be sporting two black eyes and missing several teeth when Christian was through with him.

"Christian?"

Aja Blue's voice snapped him from his violent thoughts. "What, babe?"

"Promise me something."

"Anything." And he meant it. Whatever she asked of him, he'd move Heaven and earth to make it happen.

"When we get to the hospital, you'll check yourself back in."

Anything but that.

He was saved from answering when the ambulance ground to a halt and then the back doors whipped open. Aja Blue was whisked away from him, and he was left staring after her.

Christian made his way to the waiting room, conveniently forgetting her request. He was fine. The double vision was gone, and the pounding was down to a dull ache. He didn't have to worry about needing to be woken up occasionally since he wouldn't sleep until he knew she was okay.

Christian's eyes jerked open, and he realized he had, in fact, dozed off. It must've been the remaining drugs in his system. He jumped to his feet when he saw his bosses standing before him.

"Sit down, Christian," Logan said.

He didn't have to be told twice. He sat.

"You should still be in a hospital bed," Luke chastised.

"I'm fine."

"Any word on Aja Blue?" Logan asked.

"Not yet, but she was awake in the ambulance."

"That's a good sign," Luke agreed.

"How is it going with the authorities?"

Logan rolled his eyes. "Everyone is fighting for control and credit for the bust. It's a madhouse."

"We made sure the media knew it was you, Aja Blue, Kayne, and Presley who broke this case," Luke told him.

"Detective Herbert was key too."

"We included her," Logan said, "based on what you all told us. What are your thoughts on her?"

"She's a hell of a detective, and I trusted her to be a part of our op." That was saying something.

Luke nodded. "We're going to talk to her."

"I'll vouch for her."

"Luke has a thing for former detectives," Logan smirked.

Luke shrugged unrepentantly. "I know they're qualified."

"Hey."

Christian turned to see Presley, Kayne, and Nicole had arrived.

"How's Aja Blue?" Presley asked.

"She woke up in the ambulance, but I haven't heard anything yet. How did it go with the police?"

"Oh my gosh, we'd still be there if it wasn't for Nicole. She knew how to handle them. You know how they are. Questions galore."

"Did they arrest Dirk?" Christian wanted to know. "They've got him for murder and attempted murder."

"They didn't have to," Kayne responded. "The police cut the zip ties so the medics could work on his wrist. He reared up and took off running. He grabbed one of the motel guests and held her in a headlock, yelling that he was going to kill her if they didn't let him go. The man she was with had a gun and shot him point blank."

He winced. "I assume it killed him?"

"Oh yeah."

He probably shouldn't be glad that someone died, but the man had tried to kill Aja Blue, and that was an unforgivable crime in his book.

"Nicole, these are the founders of CObrA Securities, Logan Bradley and Luke Colton."

They all shook hands.

"We'd like to talk to you before we leave," Luke said.

Nicole blinked. "Oh. Okay. Well, I'm sidelined for the foreseeable future, so anytime."

"There's a coffee shop in the lobby. How about we go grab something to drink?"

"Uh, sure." She looked at Christian, and he gave her a reassuring smile.

"We'll be back soon," Logan said. "Let us know as soon as you hear about Ms. LaLonde."

"I will."

Kayne and Presley dropped into seats beside him.

"What a case," Presley sighed. "Threats from three separate directions. Who could predict that?"

She was right. Pastor Chet, Byron Zikes, and the Church of the Enlightened were one. Heathcliff Sinclair, Jonas Thames, and their thugs were another. Aja Blue's childhood friend Polly and her pimp/boyfriend Dirk Haines were the third. They were lucky they'd thwarted each one.

"We found out that the man who fired on us twice was treated at the hospital after I shot him," Kayne said. "The cops were called, and he was arrested. Get this, it was Denny, the dude who checked us in at the meeting at the Church of the Enlightened."

"You're kidding me."

"Nope. He admitted to both shootings. He wanted to impress Pastor Chet and thought he would if he took out the woman who employed Jay Guitterez and the detective investigating the bombing and Byron Zikes's murder."

Huh. Christian hadn't seen that one coming. Denny was like Zikes. They worshipped a man who validated their hate, and they would do anything for him, including, in Byron's case, die for him. Denny would spend a significant amount of time behind bars for multiple counts of attempted murder, including of a police officer.

"Also, news leaked that Sinclair met with Nofeshku, and the shit hit the fan," Nicole informed him.

Christian hissed. He only thought it was a media circus before. That news would be the top story for months.

A nurse came over and led Christian to a room to meet with the doctor. He listened to the woman as she described how the bullet entered through Aja Blue's right oblique and exited through her back. No organs had been hit, so there was no significant internal damage, but she'd lost a lot of blood. Coupled with what she'd been through earlier on the Sinclair yacht—had that only been a few hours ago?—she was exhausted. They'd stitched her up and given her sedatives to help her sleep. Christian was allowed to visit, but the doctor warned him she would be asleep for a few hours.

She was going to be okay. With lightened steps, he returned to the waiting room and sent Presley and Kayne back to the house to get some rest since Aja Blue was out. Next, he texted his bosses to give them the news. Then he went to Aja Blue's room.

"So, you decided to return, did you?"

Christian winced when he recognized the nurse who had objected to him checking himself out but had reluctantly helped him escape. "Yeah, but I'm here for her this time."

The nurse glanced at a sleeping Aja Blue. "She'll be out a while."

"I need to be with her."

The nurse sighed, nodded, and arranged a chair beside Aja Blue's bed. "I'll be in to check on her occasionally."

"Thank you."

With a smile, she left them alone.

Christian dropped into the chair and took Aja Blue's hand. An ice pack had been arranged on her cheek to lessen the swelling. Anger welled inside him again. Men who hit women and children were some of the lowest forms of scum on the planet. It was probably good that he didn't have to worry about paying Dirk a visit since he'd gotten himself killed. Christian wouldn't have gone easy on him.

Knowing Aja Blue would be okay, he relaxed until sleep claimed him too.